Taxi Driver Online

Go-ahead for the cab cams

CABBIES have been told they can have security cameras fitted in their cars.

But the council won't be paying for it.

The decision comes after a meeting of the council's licensing and regeneration committee.

Councillors agreed drivers could have the cameras in their vehicles for safety as long as they met criteria drawn up by the council.

Councillor Robert Thornber, chairman of the committee, said: "So long as the guidelines are followed there is no problem in having a camera."
But the cameras would have to be paid for by either the drivers or the firms they work for.

Councillor Thornber said: "We had tried to secure funding for the cameras, but there is no money at the moment."

The decision has been met with mixed feelings by Calderdale cabbies.
Stephen Smithies, secretary of the Taxi Owners Association, said: "The decision to allow it is good but funding is the main problem.

"I think now there is a simple question for cabbies to answer, whether they want cameras or not.

"It has proved a success in other areas so I can see it could be beneficial to us."

Sultan Mahmood, secretary of Calderdale Private Hire Association, said cameras would not prevent attacks on cab drivers.
He said: "There are cameras in the town centre but you find that problems still erupt.

"I wouldn't buy a camera because I can't afford it and don't think it will make any difference to safety. At the end of the day if someone wants to attack you they will."

Calderdale Private Hire Association will hold a crunch meeting with councillors later this month to thrash out an agreement over issues including MoT frequency and tinted windows to avoid striking over Christmas.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I've heard that some european funding has been used by some LAs to pay or part-pay for CCTV. Can anyone confirm?

Aint heard of european funding but there's something out there called Crime Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP).

These schemes have been used in a few areas for such things as taxi marshalls and camera schemes.

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I'm just relieved it hasn't been bought about by a number of driver murders.

But should have it taken so long?

As for the price, f*** the price, just put it on the meter rate.

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IDFIMH